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Howard RAINEY Obituary
Born on March 16, 1914, to the late Joseph and Emma Rainey, he was a native of Newport News and graduated from Huntington High School in 1932. He attended Hampton Institute and Virginia State College.
He married Fannie Davis and from this loving union of 69 years, were born five children.
Mr. Rainey worked at the Warwick Hotel then during World War II, the Shipyard and retired as a Supervisor in the Riggers Department in 1978.
He was an Emeritus member of the Dochiki Civic & Social Club and the Orcutt Senior Citizens Club.
Mr. Rainey was a lifelong member of Second Baptist Church East End. He accepted the responsibility of being a deacon and was a loyal and faithful worker until his health began to fail.
He is predeceased by his wife, Fannie D. Rainey; his son, Alpheus M. Rainey; and his daughter, Janice R. Pearson (Clarence).
Left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Alease R. Gant (Rufus); and his son, Howard H. Rainey Jr. (Saundra), of Hampton, Va.; his son, Dr. Lutrelle D. Rainey (Eleanor) of Glen Allen, Va.; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grands; a loving caregiver, Maryann D. Harris; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at Second Baptist Church East End, 3307 Chestnut Ave., Newport News, VA 23607, with the Rev. Avery E. Miller officiating. Burial will be at Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, with a wake and visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Rainey will lie in state at the church on Thursday two hours prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Second Baptist Church East End Scholarship Fund.
Professional services are entrusted to O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 3007 Chestnut Ave., Newport News, Va. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard RAINEY
Margery Browne Brooks
September 16, 2010
To the Howard Rainey Sr. Family,
Although there are no words to ease your sorrow, may you find comfort in the many treasured memories of a father so dear.
In sympathy,
September 15, 2010
Mr. & Mrs. Rainey, Monty and Junie...you will always be in our thoughts and prayers in your time of grief. We love you. -Squirt, Brian, Jaime & Iva
Earl Blanton
September 9, 2010
To Howard and family; please accept my sincere condonlence on the passing of your father. I remember you quoting him from time to time and I know you were close. May strength and faith be with you in this time of grief.
Marjorie Lawrence
September 9, 2010
To the Rainey Family, please accept my sincere sympathy at the passing of your father, grandfather, and friend. He was a wonderful, supported man. May your pleasant memories be a source of comfort.
GLOVER & JACOBS FAMILY
September 9, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Justine Crutchfield-Jones
September 9, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Loretta Drew
September 9, 2010
Our prayers are with you Alease and your family at this time.
Cynthia Davis
September 9, 2010
Alease and family,
My sincere condolences on the death of your beloved father. How lucky you were to have had him with you for such a long time. Now he is with the others. May he rest in peace. and may you all be at peace.
love, Cynthia Davis
Jim and Sheila Majka
September 8, 2010
Alease...your father was a wonderful man of vision, passion, and dedication. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Frank & Lillian Boyd
September 8, 2010
To Alease, Howard, Jr. & the entire Rainey family, please accept our sincere condolence. We who are fortunate to have our parents with us for many years are indeed blessed. May you have wonderful memories.
Michael And Yvonne Dickerson
September 8, 2010
To: Rev Rainey and Family sorry to hear about your Fathers passing may God Bless you and your Family.
Roscoe Eubanks
September 8, 2010
To the Rainey Family on behalf of the Eubanks Family, we are sincerely sorry to hear of your loss and we are praying for you and your family.
God Bless you all
Very Respectfully
Roscoe Eubanks Jr.
Kimberly Jordan Croslin
September 8, 2010
I am saddened to hear of Deacon Rainey's passing. He was a dear friend of my grandfather's, the late Charlie R. Lovelace. They worked together at the Shipyard, served together at Second Baptist Church, E.E., and enjoyed fellowship together at the Dochiki Civic and Social Club. I vividly remember Deacon Rainey faithfully visiting and helping my grandfather during his brief illness in 1978! Deacon Rainey was a kind and gentle spirit whose presence and example was impactful to the youth at Second Baptist. I will always fondly remember him as a devoted friend to my very special grandfather!
Warmest regards,
Kimberly Jordan Croslin
(daughter of Garrison and Diane (Lovelace) Jordan, granddaughter of the late Charlie and Otelia Lovelace)
Audwin N. Chandler Vaughn
September 8, 2010
To; The Rainey Family: We the Neighborhood Reunion Committee would like to extend our most deepest condolence in the passing of your Father Mr. Howard H. Rainey Sr. A wonderful and kind Neighbor and Friend!
"God Specializes"
Lovingly!
Audwin N. Chandler Vaughn- President
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home
September 8, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
September 7, 2010
Mrs. Alease Gant,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you and your family during this time.
Andrea Harris Forbes (your former student)
Audwin N. Chandler Vaughn
September 7, 2010
To: The Rainey Family! May the Peace and Comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ see you through!! Mr. Rainey was a wonderful Neighbor, Friend and Father. To the Entire Family " God Spealizes"
Lovingly!!
Audwin Chandler Vaughn and the Family of the Late Mr. & Mrs. Willie R. James and Marnie Brown Vaughn
Stella Grant
September 7, 2010
Dear Alease and family,
I'm extending my sincerest condolences at the loss of your father. My the good memories sustain you at this painful time.
Regards,
Stella
Jannie Gibson Daggs
September 7, 2010
He lived a good life and was loved by all.We will truly miss him.
L. Bryant & Vilma Parker
September 5, 2010
Sorry to hear of your fathers passing. May God keep and sustain you during this difficult time.
John & Beulah Crutchfield
September 5, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rosalyn Jones-Washington
September 5, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Howard Rainey Sr. passing. I lived across the street when I was a young girl and after my father passed, I returned. May GOD be with you and your family during this time.
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